Beauty Foundation Friends kick off fundraising efforts

MARLBORO — A new Monmouth County teen initiative created to support and enrich the lifestyle needs of woman and children being treated for cancer will kick off its first fundraising event the day after Thanksgiving.

The Beauty Foundation Friends (BFF) Dance-A-Thon Party on Nov. 26 is the first of several fundraising events that will bring together Monmouth County teens (ages 11- 18) who are motivated to help offset the economic hardships resulting from cancer treatment — by helping to raise money for everything from childcare expenses, groceries and wigs, to uplifting gifts like Yankees tickets and laptop computers, according to a press release.

“When I was hospitalized, there were many weeks that went by where the only time I saw my friends was on video chat from an Apple computer, which was donated to me,” said Jackie Ceraolo, one of the founding members of BFF.

“The money that we raise will take away some of the worries that people have while fighting for their lives,” added Jackie’s brother, Kyle.

The founding members of the Beauty Foundation Friends include Carly (age 14) and Nicole (age 11) Berns, Kyle (age 12) and Jackie (age 15) Ceraolo, and Ben (14) and Erica (age 12) Palmieri.

Working in collaboration with the Beauty Foundation and the Ashley Lauren Foundation, the BFFs will host its Dance- A-Thon Party on Nov. 26 from 7:30-11 p.m. Teen Fundraisers will donate a minimum pledge of $35, and gift card donations will also be accepted and delivered to children in hospitals throughout the holiday season.

The BFF Dance-A-Thon Party will be held at Dance Attitudes in Marlboro with featured music and entertainment from Unique Musique. Dinner will be catered by LaPiazza and Mixed Greens & Grill. All companies have generously donated their services. Prizes will be given between 10:30-11 p.m. for the most donations and money raised at the event.

Other corporate donors include Unlimited Exposures (photography), Party Fair (décor), Wegmans (beverages) and Gary Gordon (graphic design). To register, visit www.firstgiving.com/bffdanceathon.

The Beauty Foundation Friends is a new Monmouth County initiative that will raise money to enrich and empower women and children fighting cancer, according to the press release. Working with the Beauty Foundation and the Ashley Lauren Foundation, the BFFs will host a series of fundraising events throughout the year to support both organizations.

The Beauty Foundation for Women’s Cancer Care is dedicated to honoring the beauty, supporting the courage, and empowering the strength of women facing cancer treatment. Their mission is to support women through direct monetary grants to offset the economic hardships resulting from a cancer diagnosis, support of cancer care centers, and the development of educational and informational resources.

The Ashley Lauren Foundation was founded by a woman with a passionate, focused vision of helping children in New Jersey who have cancer — stemming from her own experiences with her daughter’s diagnosis of cancer. She was immediately joined by three others who shared in that vision.